Children feel exam pressure

“Since the GCSE exams got cancelled I have been feeling really overwhelmed and stressed. I am so annoyed because I wish I had done more revision for my mock exams - I really messed up on some of them. I just feel like everything is pointless now and don’t really know what to do? If I don’t get decent GCSE grades than I won’t get into my school for A levels, won’t be able to go to University and won’t be able to get a job”. These are the words of a 16-year-old girl who called Childline recently.

Exam results season is upon us yet again and whilst this year has been notably different due to coronavirus, even if your child didn’t get the grades they wanted there are still many possibilities available to them.

At the NSPCC and Childline we understand that for children and young people exam results season can be a stressful time. Whilst some may worry about not achieving the results they need to be accepted into their chosen university or college, others may feel anxious and believe they’re letting their family down. We know between April and July this year, Childline delivered 1,121 counselling to people concerned about their exam results. 751 sessions were delivered to girls, 176 to boys and 194 sessions took place where the gender was unknown.

Many of them spoke to our counsellors about how they were concerned about their coursework and predicted results not being good enough. Some said they didn’t feel in control of their results, whilst others said they were worried about their future.

The NSPCC and Childline want young people to know that grades, no matter what they are, do not define anyone and there are other options.

The first step is to talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher or careers advisor and be honest with them about how they’re feeling, which will help make it clearer about potential options. They may be able to re-sit an exam, or choose to go to another university or college through the clearing process or it they may need a year out to reflect before they return to education.

Childline advises that it’s important to never compare yourself to others, especially friends who may have got the grades they wanted. It’s important that young people remind themselves that they have done well, whether that’s through coursework, revision or other aspects of their lives – exams are tough and this year made it harder.

It may also be a possibility that your young person is worried about sharing their grades with you, therefore it’s so important to be supportive and remember that they have options and you can help guide them on what to do next.

Childline is still here for children and has continued to be there throughout the pandemic, children and young people can call us on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org

From Helen Shellard, NSPCC Service Centre Practitioner